On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the community gathered in Jacksonville’s Historic Springfield neighborhood for Operation New Hope’s 4th Annual Hope Starts Here 5K. This year’s event marked our largest turnout yet, with over 400 runners and walkers participating.
The morning kicked off with inspiring words from Reggie Fullwood, President and CEO of Operation New Hope, who reminded everyone, “This event is all about supporting second chances and the work that Operation New Hope is doing in the community.” Moments later, Exercise is Medicine on Campus at UNF’s Physical Activity Counselor, Jalynn Small, led participants in a pre-race group stretch at the starting line to get everyone warmed up and ready to move.
The event featured a 1-mile fun run followed by the official 5K race, attracting runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels. The race route weaved through the scenic, tree-lined streets of Springfield, past historic homes and along parts of Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail. The race began and ended at Operation New Hope’s Jacksonville office, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with community spirit.
After crossing the finish line, participants headed next door to Strings Sports Brewery for a post-race celebration. Race bibs got each participant a free burrito and beer. This is just one of the many ways our local partners helped make the event so memorable!
This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors like Goodwill and Florida Capital Bank, along with many others who showed up to table, run, and cheer. Their support, along with each participant’s involvement, raised funds supporting Operation New Hope’s mission to provide job training, housing support, employment opportunities, and mental health services to people impacted by the justice system.
Each person who attended played a role in supporting reentry and raising awareness across Jacksonville and the state of Florida. Special thanks to 1st Place Sports, our staff, volunteers, and community supporters who made the event such a success.
At Operation New Hope, we believe that second chances matter and that access to opportunity can change lives. The success of the Hope Starts Here 5K shows that our community believes it too.
